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Smash Burgers
Ingredients
- 4hamburger buns
- 2 tbspbutter
softened, or as needed
- 1 lbground chuck beef
80% lean
- 46-inch squares parchment paper
- salt to taste
- 4slices american cheese
- burger toppings of choice
Directions
- 1
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Set a cast iron flat-top griddle or large cast iron skillet onto the grill and preheat until smoking.
- 2
Spread butter on the inside of the buns and toast on the flat-top until lightly browned. Set aside.
- 3
Form meat into 8 loosely-packed balls, 2 ounces each. Do not pack the meat tightly, as this will prevent it from smashing properly. Place each ball on the hot flat-top, cover with a piece of parchment (to prevent sticking to the spatula; re-use each parchment square on a second patty) and immediately smash down to a 1/4 inch thickness using 2 stiff, sturdy spatulas that are criss-crossed to get proper leverage as you press down. You may also use the bottom of small skillet. Sprinkle the meat with salt.
- 4
Grill for about 45 seconds, until the edges are dark brown and the centers are a light pink color. Using a bench scraper or firm spatula, gently scrape up the patties, flip over and immediately cover 4 of them with cheese. Grill an additional 15 to 20 seconds; stack the plain patties over the cheese-covered patties so you have 4 stacks. Move each stack to a bun and serve with your favorite toppings.
Smash Burgers
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 66 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible diner-style burger with perfectly crispy edges and a juicy, savory interior? This smash burger recipe delivers exactly that, bringing the beloved experience right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of a smash burger lies in its technique: literally smashing the ground beef onto a scorching hot grill. This method maximizes contact with the heat, creating a phenomenal Maillard reaction that results in those coveted crispy, craggy edges while sealing in all the delicious juices. It’s a game-changer for burger texture.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly satisfying burger experience. Each bite offers a delightful contrast—the shatteringly crisp crust giving way to tender, flavorful meat. Melted American cheese adds a creamy richness, perfectly complementing the savory beef. It’s a simple, straightforward dish that promises big flavor, ideal for a quick and incredibly tasty dinner.
Customization & Variations
Smash burgers are a fantastic canvas for personalization! While the recipe calls for classic American cheese, feel free to experiment with cheddar or provolone for a different melt. The “burger toppings of choice” offer endless possibilities:
- Classic: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard.
- Spicy: Jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Umami-rich: Sautéed mushrooms and onions, a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Gourmet: Caramelized onions, bacon jam, or a rich aioli.
Don't forget to toast your hamburger buns with softened butter for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Serving & Context
These smash burgers are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. Serve them hot off the grill, piled high with your favorite toppings, for an unforgettable, crowd-pleasing dish.